Disclaimer- I do own Trolls to Trollstopia in any way or form. Melody Song, Mal Shredder, Stereo, Twilight Tidepool, McJagger, Buckaroo, Ballad Bill, Corey Thundershock, Evie, Sid Scales (voiced by Johnathan Groff), and Sophie Soprano are my O.C.s and belong to me. Aggie, Shimmer, Chin-Hwa, and Silovay belong to I.M. Rally, and now, a brand new O.C. named Finn (has an Australian accent and is voiced by Ed Sheeran), which you will see in a bit, belongs to my good friend TU4QU0I53T4AN6L3. I also do not own the song and the lyrics that I use today! Now, let's get to it!
Poppy and Branch: You can do it solo!
Aggie and Trollex: But then you'd be all by yourself.
Stereo and Synth: (Synth: Yo!) So, it'd be more fun to share this one with someone else! (Tiny Diamond: Hit it, daddy!)
Rhythm, Blues, Quincy, Essence: Together, we will soar across the sky and beyond! (Prince D: To the great beyond!)
Holly Darling, Buckaroo, Delta Dawn: So, tune-up your voice!
Val Thundershock, Barb, and Melody Song: Stand up and sing along! (Evie: Let's rock!)
All: All different voices (Tiny Diamond: Everybody now!), our melodies ringing. We're living in harmony! Yeah, we're living in harmony! Our song is much stronger will every troll singing. We're living in harmony!
Funtography Day
Branch was in his bunker, organizing his things. Currently, he was alphabetizing his rations when he turned around and spotted a picture frame on the table. He walked over to it and picked it up, looking at it before smiling in content. It was a picture of him, Poppy, and Harmony the day their little princess was born. He placed his hand over it and smiled before an idea started to form in his mind. He then darted over to his workshop area and began to work on something. A while later, Branch was pushing a huge...whatever it was on a flat cart over to the Metroll train system. The "whatever it is" comes from the fact that it was currently covered by a huge white tarp, as a surprise. Once he got to the train station, he carefully pushed it off the cart and got it into place when Poppy, pushing Harmony in a stroller, Aggie, and Holly came over, with Aggie asking, "Hi, Branch! Uh, what is that"? Branch turned around while saying, "Oh, hey guys! I got a great new idea I want to pitch to you! Is that ok"? Poppy nodded, saying, "Of course, Branch! anything to help Trollstopia," while Holly added, "Yeah, sugar! So, what's this here great idea of yours"? Branch then pulled the tarp off, revealing a huge orange scanning machine with two wide screen eyes, a big mouth, and a large camera antenna peering down at them. All three girls looked at it in awe while Aggie commented, "It's amazing! What is it"? Branch placed a badge that had his picture on it while saying, "It's a state-of-the-art security system I made designed for the train. Here, every troll scans a photo ID badge as they board the train, which allows us to keep track of who's riding it at all times. Watch and learn." Branch then held up his idea as the camera extended to scan the badge before opening its mouth, allowing Branch to walk onto its tongue. Inside, it scanned Branch, showing his x-ray and his "son" Gary resting in his hair before bringing Branch back outside. He then asked, "thoughts." In contrast, Poppy asked, "We love it, Branch! Though, if I may suggest, can you take out all the parts that involved security, tracking, and scanning"? Surprised, Branch commented, "What? But then it'll just be an excuse to wear fun badges." Poppy and Holly started to cheer until Aggie interrupted them, saying, "Uh, guys, if I may say, although fun badges are...well..fun! I do have to agree with Branch on this one. Think of it. What if an outsider sneaks into Trollstopia one day and hijacks the train? Without something like this, how'll we know there's an intruder on the train"?
Holly and Poppy stopped cheering for a minute before Holly commented, "Aggie's raheet, y'all. While the security stuff does sound mawe borin' than ayy lazy troll snorin' on ayy hot afternoon, it'd be bettuurr ta be safe than unsafe." Poppy thought about it before saying, "You know what? I agree. Branch, we approve of this new security system. I have to run it through the other leaders first before we can get a finalized vote. But, I think this is going to help Trollstopia out definitely." Branch smiled as he then saw Harmony clapping as he walked over and picked up his daughter, asking, "And you think so too, Harmony"? Harmony squealed and giggled, which probably meant a yes, as Branch then said, "Then, let's spread the word." Two hours later, a crowd of trolls gathered around the train station as they saw Poppy, Aggie, and Holly standing together, with the other leaders standing behind them, as Poppy declared, "Trolls, recently, Branch has pitched us an amazing idea that will allow all of us to ride the train safely! While it may sound a little boring, it'll be loads of fun to show off your sweet smile to everyone you know! So, tomorrow, you'll all be receiving your own official Photo Fun Badge," as she showed her badge to everyone, which had a photo of Poppy smiling while having both her hands up, with two fingers out, making the peace sign at slanted angles. Aggie then showed off her badge, which had a picture of her winking and showing a beautiful smile, while saying, "It'll be so much fun to see everyone getting to strut their stuff and show off your new badges to everyone"! Then, Holly declared, "Ayn' since new fun badges mean new pictures, y'all bettuurr start practicin' them smiles ayn' poses 'cause tomorrow is Picture Day"! The crowd started to cheer in excitement until a big, loud, "NNNNOOOOOOO," roared out, making everyone confused. Some of the trolls separated and revealed Minuet, who was the source of the "NO," as she flew off in a panicked huff. Poppy watched this with a look of confusion as Aggie said, "I'll go talk to her," and flew after the Classical delegate. Aggie kept searching until she found Minuet playing her violin but seemed to be doing it very hard.
Aggie flew up to Minuet while saying, "Hey, Minuet. Um, you seem to be playing that violin pretty hard. Are...you feeling ok"? Minuet let out a forceful chuckle while replying with, "What? I have no idea what you mean, Master Aggie! I'm feeling right as rain, as they say," before she started to use the bow on her violin a lot harder. In fact, she was doing it so hard, that it sliced the violin in half, surprising both trolls instantly. Aggie then raised an eyebrow and asked, "Still sure that you're ok, Minuet," as the Classical delegate hung her head low and sighed, replying, "Oh, who am I kissing, Master Aggie? Even I must admit that I can't hide my emotions from you. The truth is...I'm infuriated because of this infernal Picture Day! Guh"! Aggie then raised her hands in defense, in case Minuet started to do something drastic, as she stated, "Woah! Ok. Let's take a breather before we do anything else, ok"? Aggie and Minuet both took a deep breath in and out together before Aggie commented, "Good. Now, why is Picture Day bugging you so much"? Minuet looked around before saying, "Can you keep a secret"? Aggie nervously replied, "I can try, though I'm not that good at it." Minuet then replied, "See, as you know, I have the will and determination to master any skill I put my mind to. I'm a first-chair violinist, I can speak 17 different languages, and at age two, I was able to do this," as Minuet demonstrated a two-finger trick that made Aggie impressed. Then, Minuet continued with, "You see, but...throughout all my life...there was one skill I somehow could not seem to matter. See...I've never been able to take a good picture, ever"! Agie then started to chuckle, saying, "What? Come on, Minuet! You're as adorable as a puppy! I'm sure there's no way you can take a bad picture." Minuet then pulled out a photo album, saying, "Don't believe me? Maybe this might beg to differ." Minuet pulled out a photo from the album and gave it to Aggie, who screamed in shock with one look at it. The picture was of Minuet awkwardly smiling, her eyes half-closed, and she seemed to have food in her teeth. Aggie then cleared her throat and asked, "Before I tell you what I think, can I be honest, or do I have to tiptoe around your fragile ego and say you look great"? Minuet raised an eyebrow at Aggie before the MMT confessed, "Ok. It's pretty bad." She gave Minuet back the photo as Minuet said while putting it in the album, "Exactly my point. I've mastered any skill I've put my mind to, but with picture taking, I become helpless."
Minuet then flew down and sat on the ground sadly, as Aggie sat next to her, saying, "Aw, Minuet. Listen, who's to say that a photo is good or bad? But you're awesome either way. Sure it's nice to be able to do everything, but there's already so much you can do. One faulty skill isn't going to change that at all. Who cares, right"? Minuet seemed to understand as she replied, "Yeah, you're right, Master Aggie. Who cares if I can't do this one thing"? Minuet then began to play 3 violins and a pair of huge cymbals at the same time as she frustratedly began to exclaim, 'This one, simple thing. In fact, something that is so simple that young trolls can do it, but I can't! That's fine with me"! Aggie then quickly shouted, "Ok, I get it! You really want to master this skill! But please don't wreck any more instruments"! Minuet then stopped her thunderous performance and placed her instruments away, saying, "Sorry, Aggie. But, you see what I mean? It's hard for me to be ok with what I have. I'm not saying I'm obsessive about it, but... I really do want to be able to master all skills possible, especially this! You think you can help me"? Aggie thought about it while saying, "Well, I'm not an expert about getting my picture taken, even though all it is is just giving a nice smile and remembering not to blink when the camera flashes. But...I think I know the perfect troll that can help." Later on, the duo found themselves at Guy Diamond's pod, talking to Guy, as he said, "So, Minuet. Aggie told me that you've never taken a good picture. I've never taken a bad one, which is why I'm the perfect guide to show you how to become the perfect picture model. Or should I say...your "Guy"de. Follow me into my gallery, and you'll see what I mean. Or as I like to call it...my "Guy"llery." Guy Diamond pulled back a beaded curtain, and inside a golden painted room were hundreds of framed photos of Guy Damind in various attires, poses, and locations. There was even a huge statue of Guy Diamond posing, and that wasn't even a photo! Aggie and Minuet looked around in awe as Minuet asked, "How do you do it, Guy? Where did you acquire such talent"?
Guy Diamond chuckled as he answered, "Well, while it is true that I am very talented..." before stopping for a dramatic pause. Aggie was about to speak when Guy Diamond covered her mouth, saying, "Wait! Let the suspension...sink in." After a few more seconds of silence, Guy Diamond continued, saying, "I never take a picture without a little help. Allow me to show you." He then slid over to a photo in a golden heart-shape-cornered frame while saying, "In this one, a giant fan gave me a wind-blown look. Melody suggested it when I was having...a frizzy morning." He then showed another picture, saying, "In this one, I had to get my glitter waxed for three days to get this shine." Then, Minuet saw a giant photo of Guy as her eyes glistened in awe, making her ask, "O-M-B-Flat minor! What about that one"? Guy explained, "Ah, yes. Actually, this one got the most help of all. For, it was taken during a special time where the lighting is absolutely ideal." Aggie asked, "golden hour," which made Guy reply, "No, no, dear Aggie. Golden second. A short yet exquisite period of time. A rare and fleeting moment where the cosmos align, wraps you in its unknowable wonders, and whispers...say cheese. But, much like a hair-i-cane, for most, it is nearly impossible to predict when a golden second will happen." Minuet then commented, "Even so, I still can't believe there were so many ways to improve the quality of a photograph." Aggie then said, "And do not worry, Minuet. We'll help you however we can to make sure you take a great photo for Picture Day tomorrow." The next day, every troll was lined up for Picture Day and going one at a time. A pop troll got her photo taken before Minuet was called up. Before the photographer could take the picture, though, Minuet spoke up, saying, "Halt, please. My crew needs time to make some adjustments." The photographer looked at her in confusion until Guy and Aggie appeared, posing next to Minuet, as she decreed, "Ok, team! Let's work it"! Aggie and Guy Diamond were both ready to make her...a photo fashionista!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Pose~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aggie: Pose on fire, fire! Looking fine, work! Confidence on lock! Don't stop now! Go on, shine!
We light it up! We set the flash to strobe! And then I let it go!
Guy Diamond: Go! To the left! To the right! Now, pose! Shine! Like a star! You know you are!
Aggie: I'm gonna find my pose!
Guy Diamond: Work that camera! so much glamour! Go! to the left! To the right! Now, pose!
Aggie: I'm gonna find my pose!
Work that glimmer, glimmer! Show it off, work! The light makes you shimmer! Keep it up, now! Show them that you're tough!
We glam it up! Make your pretty like a rose! And then I let it go!
Guy Diamond: Go! To the left! To the right! Now, pose! Shine! Like a star! You know you are!
Aggie: I'm gonna find my pose!
Guy Diamond: Work that camera! so much glamour! Go! to the left! To the right! Now, pose!
Aggie: I'm gonna find my pose!
After using many different methods to try and help Minuet make her photo look more appealing, and a bunch of picture taking. Minuet scoured through all of them, but none of them was a good photo. Minuet groaned in frustration before exclaiming, "It's useless, guys. No matter what I try or how much we do, I'll never be able to take a decent photograph. Maybe it's best if I...give up." Aggie and Guy Diamond felt bad for Minuet, unsure of what else they could do to help her. The windblown look didn't help. Using light to make her glittered body shine like a star didn't work. Different backgrounds, clothing, even poses all did not affect her poor ability. Aggie and Guy Diamond were unwilling to give up just yet, but they were running out of options. What else could they do? Suddenly, Aggie felt a gentle yet mysterious breeze tousle her hair as she commented, "It's getting windy all of a sudden. Are we expecting rain"? Guy Diamond looked up near the sun and gasped, saying while bringing Aggie close to him, "No, we are about to get something...magical! Up there"! Aggie looked up and saw that the clouds were starting to separate, and the sun was becoming clearly visible. The sky started t change color, becoming a shimmering golden color, while up in space, all of the planets seemed to align just right, allowing the burning ball of gas to shine a small yet powerful ray of light onto the Picture Day area. Guy Diamond then declared, "Minuet, take your position! The golden second...is about to start"! Minuet quickly flew to her seat and sat down, smiling and waiting for the ray of light to hit her. The photographer was set to take the photo, but Guy Diamond stopped him, saying, "Hold." He kept repeating it as the ray of light hit the background, making it rip and slowly fade, before it finally hit the gem on Minuet's headband, making her shine bright than ever before. With a whisper, Guy said, "Say cheese," as the photographer took the photo. The picture came out as the trio anxiously awaited to see if it came out good...or bad. Minuet held the photo and placed it under the light as the dark square faded, showing the picture. It showed Minuet sitting in the chair with a beautiful smile, her eyes glistening in cuteness...and she looked amazing!
Everyone saw and started to cheer happily as Minuet, emitting happy tears, held the photo high while shouting, "At last! After years of constant bad pictures and horrific photo-ups, I've finally conquered the one skill I haven't been able to master! And it's all thanks to you both! Thank you, Aggie and Guy Diamond"! however, as she flew to give them a hug, she accidentally tipped the stool that she was sitting on as it fell back and made the background collapse in on itself. It scattered the bad photos everywhere, and before Minuet could panic, her good photo got mixed up in the mayhem. Minuet freaked out and shouted, "Grab that picture," as all of the other trolls that were waiting patiently for their turn started to run and grab the photos in the wind. Tiny Diamond launched his hair and grabbed a photo from the air while saying, "Never you fear, winged Troll lady! Tiny Diamond's got the good picture"! However, when Tiny Diamond took a closer look, he cringed, saying, "Oh, woah! No, Tiny Diamond did not"! And indeed, it was not the good photo; it was one of Minuet, who appeared to have a black mustache or a black lip of some sort. Demo and Gust were charging at the photo while shouting, "I got it," but since they weren't looking where they were going, they wound up colliding into each other. Demo laid on the ground in pain while Gust kept stepping over him, trying to grab the photo and still shouting, "I got it"! Melody jumped up and grabbed a photo from mid-air and shouted, "I got it"! However, when she looked at it, Melody screamed, exclaiming, "Horrendous...split ends," before falling back and fainting. Every troll was sifting through the piles of bad photos, trying to find the one good photo, but had no luck. Minuet was beginning to feel discouraged until she spotted her photo wedged in between the train tracks. Minuet flew onto the tracks and tried to pull the photo off, but it was stuck and did not want to budge.
Then, a loud train whistle was heard as Aggie turned her head and saw that the train was approaching, and Minuet was right in the middle of the tracks! Aggie, along with Guy, gasped as she shouted, "Minuet! Getaway," while Guy added, "Get off the tracks"! Minuet did not seem to be listening as Aggie then exclaimed, "Please, Minuet! It's not worth it! You've gotta get out of the way of that train"! When Minuet stopped pulling and asked, "Train," the loud whistle got her attention as she turned her head and saw that she was about to get run over by the train. In a desperate act to save her, Aggie made a mighty leap and grabbed Minuet before the train could hit her. However, Aggie ended up hitting her funk leg on the train and tumbled to the ground on the other side, while the picture was ripped into a million pieces. Minuet opened her eyes and saw that Aggie had saved her as the Classical delegate flew up, saying, "Oh, Aggie. Thank you. You saved my life." Aggie gave a pained smile, replying, "No problem, Minuet." Then, Minuet gasped and exclaimed, "Aggie, your leg! Your funk leg," and pointed to a now dark purple bruise that was the size of a baseball-sized jawbreaker, as Aggie commented, "It's fine. I'll be oh-," before wincing in pain, sitting back down after trying to stand up again. Some of the trolls on line rushed over as Guy shouted, "Aggie! Minuet! Are you both ok"? Aggie nodded, saying, "We're ok, but...I don't think the picture is," as she held a few of the torn pieces in her hands. Minuet looked at the pieces in shock before turning and flying away as tears streamed down her face. Being the caring friend she was, Aggie started to struggle to her feet as Guy asked, "Aggie! What are you doing?! You're hurt"! Balancing on her hoof, Aggie replied, "I'll be right back," and flew off after Minuet while everyone watched in concern. Minuet was sitting on a flat rock by the pond, looking down at her reflection when she heard someone approaching her. Minuet didn't need to turn her head as she solemnly said, "Hi, Master Aggie." Aggie sat next to Minuet and asked, "Hey...are you ok"?
Minuet then started to say, "Am I ok? Am I ok?! Aggie, I nearly let myself be steamrolled by a locomotive and all for a small and simple glossy of myself! Does THAT kind of behavior sound OK to you"?! Aggie gulped and nervously replied, "Uh, no"? Minuet sighed and stated, "Exactly. And now, I can't help feeling so guilty. I got so caught up in wanting a good picture. I lost sight of what was in front of me and my surroundings. And on top of it all, you got hurt trying to save me when I could've just gone off the tracks and left that photo alone in the first place! I feel so awful"! Aggie patted Minuet on the back, saying, "Hey, it's not your fault," which earned a loud, "But it is," from Minuet. The Classical delegate then exclaimed, "It's all my fault! Everything! See...there's a reason far deeper as to why I wanted a good photo, even deeper than to just master a simple skill. See, you know how you called me adorable yesterday? Well, sometimes, when I see a bad photo of myself...I don't see it as adorable." Aggie listened as Minuet poured her heart out, saying, "Even as a little trolling, I found it hard just to be satisfied with how I look every time I see a bad picture of myself. Every awkward smile, every flash of food-stained teeth, every piece of lint stuck on my gem! It...it's like a message that tells me...I'm not beautiful. I'm not cute. I'm not adorable. I'm not...pretty. Even something as simple as looking in the mirror sometimes...it's like looking at a full-scale bad photo version of myself, and it acts as a constant reminder of...something...I feel like I can never master, no matter how hard I try. Not the ability to take a good picture, but...the skill...of being pretty." Aggie covered her mouth in shock as she then hugged Minuet, despite the Classical delegate not being fond of hugs, as she said, "Minuet, you don't need to worry about mastering that skill because you already have." Minuet sniffled as she asked, "Really," which earned a nod from the MMT, who said, "You're beautiful just the way you are. You don't need a photo to tell you that. Sure, we all have things we might not like about ourselves, but it's what makes us unique. It's what makes us special. Sure, somedays, I might find it hard to feel beautiful because of the small quirks I have, and the teasing back home sometimes makes it harder to cope with. But, you know what helps? Every day, after I change into my dress and I fix my hair, I look in the mirror, and instead of looking at the things that make me feel self-conscious, I puff out my chest and say, "Hello, me. You're looking beautiful today," because I know I'm beautiful just the way I am. And I don't need a photo to tell me that because I know it in my heart. Go ahead and try it with your reflection. Cancel out all the negative thoughts of the bad photos you've seen and channel in some happy thoughts."
Minuet hovered over the water and looked at her reflection before smiling, saying, "Hello, me. you're looking beautiful today," before commenting, "G-sharp and B-flats. I-I do feel a little better saying that." Aggie smiled as she said, "See? And as long as you keep telling yourself that every day, no matter how many bad photos you take in a lifetime or how many trolls might tease or gossip about your appearance behind your back, in the end, what matters most is that you think you're beautiful. And there are a lot of other trolls who think that you're beautiful too." Minuet then, uncharacteristically, flew to Aggie and hugged her, but not in the tight hug like from when she first was attempting a hug, before bowing as she said, "Aggie...thank you. I...I really needed to hear that." Aggie then said, "You're welcome, Minuet. Just looking out for a friend is all." Then, Minuet pulled out one of the bad photos she saved from the search earlier and gave it to Aggie, saying, "Here. Give the photographer this photo. I want this one to be my train badge photo." Aggie looked at it before asking, "Are you sure," as Minuet happily replied, "Yes. It's like what you said. I'm beautiful just the way I am, and even if I can't take a good photo, there are a lot of other things I'm thoroughly capable of. I'm a first-chair violinist. I can speak 17 languages. And, I can do this," as Minuet did the finger trick again, making Aggie smile, as he said, "So, yeah. I'm awesome being just myself. My own, awesome, beautiful self. It might not be easy being the only troll to ride the train with a bad photo, but you know what? Who cares? It's me, and no matter how it may be portrayed, I love how I look in the mirror. I love myself. And you know something else? When you really look at this picture, it's actually...quite humorous," and began to chuckle. Aggie began to chuckle too as she commented, "I guess it is a bit funny. Hey! I just got a great idea"! She whispered it into Minuet's ear as the Classical ambassador smiled, saying, "Ooh! Most wondrous idea, Master Aggie"! With that, both trolls started to head back to the train station and shared their idea with everyone.
Soon, Picture Day started back up again, but this time, it was different. Instead of taking formal, nice pictures, everyone made funny faces, so their pictures looked bad but hilarious. Smidge's hair was in a messy, frizzy bun, and she had mud in her teeth, but she seemed to be enjoying it as the photographer took the picture. Val made a silly/scary rocker's face while her tongue stuck out, Branch pulled his hair sideways and made a cute fishy face, and Guy Diamond did a hilarious face while sticking his finger in his nose. Aggie made her face blow up like a pufferfish, Gust pulled his cheeks down to resembled an exhausted look, and Melody stuck her tongue out while doing the peace sign but had her fingers pointing at her winking right eye. Once everyone had their photos taken, it was printed and placed into their newly appointed badges, and given to everyone. They all wore their new badges proudly as Minuet commented, "Thank you, everyone. We all look silly but beautiful! Each and every one of us! Now, it's time for a group shot, everyone"! All of the trolls gathered together and made silly faces while shouting, "Cheese," as they posed in front of the train while the photographer took the picture. That photo was placed into a frame and hung in Guy Diamond's gallery, but another copy was made just for Minuet to put in her room. The next morning, Minuet arose from her bed and flew over to her mirror, using her wings to clear the morning fog before looking at it. She then looked at the picture she put next to it and smiled, before putting it down and facing the mirror, saying with a cute smile, "Hello, me! You're looking beautiful today"!